Don’t give up on rail battle

11:40am Monday 31st March 2008

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IT is disappointing to hear that three East Lancashire Labour MPs, including Justice Minister Jack Straw, have failed to reverse Railway Minister Tom Harris's decision to refuse the £8million that is so sorely needed to give East Lancashire something approaching an acceptable rail link with Manchester.

The decision to rebuff the cash bid was a huge blow to hopes that the area could share in some of the comparative prosperity being enjoyed in the greater Manchester area. The single line track between Darwen and Bolton is a serious obstacle to turning the route into one that provides an efficient and reliable commuter service for people from across East Lancashire.

Business leaders have spoken out strongly of the need for what in government terms is a small sum of money which could have a significant positive economic impact.

Apparently the Minister has explained what the government thought was wrong with the business case sent to them and another is to be prepared.

Blackburn with Darwen chief executive Graham Burgess said he believes the "door is ajar" on the project.

Another case must be put together urgently and our MPs must continue pushing for this essential project to be funded.